Italy sends two minesweepers to Strait of Hormuz

"Should peace break out, it would take almost a month of sailing for all the allied nations' units to reach the Gulf," he explained during a joint meeting of the parliamentary committees on defense and foreign affairs.

According to Crosetto, the ships will initially be stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean and later in the Red Sea as part of the ongoing international missions Mediterraneo Sicuro and Aspides.

Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani stressed that Rome is not currently asking parliament to approve a new military mission in the Persian Gulf.

"Let's dispel any misunderstandings: we don't want to ask for authorization for a new military mission in the Gulf, but we want to share the government's commitment to peace and the path that could lead to our involvement in the international coalition," Tajani said.

He also emphasized that any Italian participation in international operations in the region is only possible after a complete cessation of hostilities.

Demining of the Strait of Hormuz

Against the backdrop of escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a number of US allies and NATO countries have already expressed readiness to take part in future operations in the region.

In particular, Germany has begun preparing for the possible deployment of a minesweeper and a support vessel, even at the cost of reducing its presence in other areas.

Türkiye has also not ruled out participation in demining the strait following a potential peace agreement between Iran and the United States.

Meanwhile, France has already deployed a carrier strike group in the Red Sea together with Italian and Dutch ships.

Lithuania has also later announced its readiness to join a potential US-led mission in the Strait of Hormuz.